The Honda Ridgeline and the Toyota Tacoma are both midsize pickup trucks designed for adventure lovers. They have many features in common, but they're different, too. Read on to know more about how the Honda Ridgeline compares with the Toyota Tacoma.

Ridgeline vs Tacoma

Toyota notes that the Tacoma was built in 1995 to replace the original Toyota Hilux, also called the Toyota Pickup, which was first produced in 1969. With a solid history of more than 50 years and a classic build, the Tacoma boasts a richer background than the Ridgeline. Honda first introduced the Ridgeline in 2004. Before the Ridgeline, Honda had a short-lived pickup on the market in the 60s, meaning its history wasn't as illustrious the Tacoma's.

Honda's Ridgeline features a unique body construction compared to other midsize trucks but still keeps up with the competition in the fuel economy and ride-quality departments. The Tacoma, on the other hand, sports a classic body-on-frame build.

Safety

Howdy Honda says that every trim level of the Tacoma includes their Toyota Safety Sense P package of safety features. The upper Ridgeline trims from 2019 include Honda's safety package, Honda Sensing, but lower trims do not. Both of these safety packages feature systems like pre-collision warnings and road departure notifications. Adaptive cruise control is also available with both models.

Exterior Design and Build

According to Autotrader, the exterior look of the Ridgeline or the Tacoma depends on the cab and bed configurations chosen. Tacomas offer an Access Cab or a larger double cab. Double cab models allow for a 5-foot or 6-foot bed combination, while the Access Cab only comes with the 6-foot bed. The shorter bed of the Tacoma provides 38 cubic-feet of cargo space, and the longer bed offers 47 cubic feet. The Tacoma is also higher than the Ridgeline, with 9.4 inches of ground clearance.

The Ridgeline only offers a crew cab with a 5.3-foot bed. However, there's the option for a hidden trunk, featuring a drain, under the bed of the Ridgeline that can be used as a cooler. Also, you'll enjoy more leg and headroom inside the Ridgeline than in the Tacoma. There is 34 cubic-feet of space in the Ridgeline's bed, but the in-floor trunk adds just 7.3 cubic feet. What's more, the Ridgeline provides 7.9 inches of ground clearance and is also the only unibody pickup truck in the whole of the United States.

Interior Design and Tech

Autotrader says the 2019 Tacoma didn't offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, but the 2020 model does. New Tacomas come standard with a 7-inch touchscreen and smartphone integration. Upgrades like wireless charging and a premium sound system are also available. Additional features in the Tacoma are 12-volt outlets with one USB port and a 110-volt three-pronged outlet in the truck bed.

As of 2020, every Ridgeline trim comes with an 8-inch screen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Bluetooth is also standard. In contrast to the Tacoma, the Ridgeline provides four different USB ports in the cabin and two 12-volt outlets as well as an available 150-watt outlet and an audio system in the truck bed.

Sitting inside the Tacoma feels very much like you're in a pickup truck, but the inside of the Ridgeline feels more like an SUV. AutoTrader says the pilot-inspired design of the Ridgeline's interior is very spacious and comfort-focused, while the Tacoma has a more rugged feel, with an emphasis on simplicity and capability. Because it lacks a lot of the more luxurious interior features that other pickups offer, the Tacoma maintains a higher resale value than its competitors.

Capability

When properly equipped, the Tacoma can tow up to 6,400 pounds. But that's not all. This car is fitted with some impressive capability features including trailer sway control, rigid body construction, low-range gear options, and four-wheel drive. Those who chose the available Tacoma TRD Off-Road trim or TRD Pro trim will enjoy even more capability features like an off-road suspension, available terrain-focused driving modes, a crawl control system, and skid plates.

The Ridgeline has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and a Class III trailer hitch. Its upper trims come with all-wheel drive and an intelligent torque management system. Ridgelines are not as prepped for off-roading as Tacomas, but they do offer features like traction management with selectable drive modes.

Depending on the trim and build you choose, the Ridgeline can get up to 26 miles per gallon on the highway. The Tacoma's EPA-estimated rating isn't far behind, though, with certain trims boasting a fuel economy of 23 miles per gallon on the highway.

Power

Looking under the hood of the Ridgeline, you'll find a standard engine with an automatic transmission, notes Howdy Honda. This engine is a 3.5-liter V-6 that delivers up to 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It's the only drivetrain available for the Ridgeline; this vehicle has no other engine or transmission options.

The Tacoma provides options when it comes to power. Base trims come with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission to produce 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. Upper trims offer the choice between a manual or automatic transmission and a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that can generate up to 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque.

Price

According to Kelley Blue Book, the base MRSP for the 2020 Ridgeline is $33,900, while the 2020 Tacoma is considerably lower at $26,050. When you climb up to the top Tacoma trim, the TRD Pro, you're looking at a starting MRSP of $43,960. The top Ridgeline trim, the Black Edition, starts at $43,520. There is a significant variation in prices throughout the list of trims and additional packages available for both pickup models.

The Verdict

Autotrader.com says the Tacoma is a better option for drivers who want more off-road features and more options for features and build. Conversely, Kelley Blue Book highlights the smooth ride and easy drive of the Ridgeline over the Tacoma.

Both the Ridgeline and the Tacoma are great options for drivers who want a capable pickup with a spacious cabin, good resale value, and solid power. Fuel economy ratings and utility features are similar in both models. Simply put, you can't go wrong with either of these reliable models.

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